Low resistance generator

ABSTRACT

A low resistance generator includes a series of stator plates and rotors. Stator plates include the coils wrapped around coil spools. The stator plates and coil spools are made from non-conductive and non-ferromagnetic material. The coils are exposed to the surrounding air and cooled convectively by airflow caused by a rotation of the rotors in the gaps. Rotors house magnets and are disposed within gaps between the stator plates. The rotors are also made of non-conductive and non-ferromagnetic materials. The magnets may be disposed on the rotors to form columns. Two columns of magnets are joined together to form one or more closed magnetic loops, each column being joined by a gauss bridge disposed at first and second end rotors.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to electric generators. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus forefficient electrical generation.

2. The Relevant Technology

As known to those skilled in the art, electric generators areelectro-mechanical devices that convert mechanical energy into electricenergy. The efficiency of a generator, or how much electricity can beconverted from a given amount of mechanical energy, depends on theresistance of the generator. Decreasing the resistance of the generatorincreases its efficiency. There are many sources of resistance within agenerator.

For example, friction between the shaft and bearings of the generatorand or windage created by friction between moving components of thegenerator and surrounding air are common sources of resistance. Anothersource of resistance within a generator is magnetic attraction betweenmoving and stationary parts. This attraction creates a rotationalresistance that increases with the strength of the magnetic field. Thisresistance originates near the outer surface in many generators, and thegreater the distance of this resistance from the shaft (e.g., radius ofthe rotors) the more leverage this resistance exerts. This leveragedresistance creates a design limitation for rotor and/or stator size.

Heat generated electrical resistance can also play a role. Heat may begenerated in a number of components, but is commonly generated in thecoils as electricity is generated. Substantial resistance may occur, forexample, with a heat gain of 40 degrees Celsius. This amount of heatgeneration is typical in current generator designs.

Another source of resistance is the counter electromotive force (CEMF)generated within the generator. CEMF is generated when electricallyconductive materials used in the frame or enclosure of the generatorcreates a circuit. Induced currents within this circuit generatecompeting magnetic fields that oppose the current being generated in thecoils of the generator.

Yet another form of resistance comes from gauss leakage. Gauss can bethought of as the magnetic flux density on the surface of a magnet. Onegauss in the centimeter-gram-second unit system is equal to 1×10⁻⁴tesla. Gauss ratings are based on the magnetic flux density at thesurface of the magnetic pole of a magnet. As soon as the gauss leavesthe surface of the magnet, the flux density declines rapidly. Forexample, the gauss of a neodymium magnet is reduced by almost 50% whenmeasured only 0.0625-inches away from the surface of the magnet. Gaussmeasured 0.125-inches from the surface of a magnet is reduced by over65%. This loss is known as gauss leakage. Gaps between magnets thatprovide space for stators and/or coils between the rotors result ingauss leakage.

Reluctance of air in the gaps between magnets within the generator isalso a source of resistance. Reluctance is the reciprocal of permeance,and permeance is the relative ease with which flux passes through agiven material or space. The permeance of neodymium, for example, is13.2 kilo-gauss, but the permeance of air is 1 gauss. When permeance isvery low, the reluctance is very high.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described above. Rather, this background is only provided toillustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodimentsdescribed herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses at least some of the foregoingshortcomings by providing a low resistance generator that substantiallyreduces many of the sources of resistance within a typical generatordiscussed above.

In one embodiment, a low resistance generator includes two or morerotors connected perpendicular to a generator shaft. The rotors can bedisposed in series with a gap separating each rotor. The rotors areadvantageously made of non-conductive material. The rotors each carrytwo or more magnets secured to the shaft so that they rotate with theshaft. A stator is disposed within the gaps between the rotors. Thestators are configured to carry one or more coils that are wiredtogether in series. The generator also includes a frame that is made ofnon-conductive material.

In another embodiment, a low resistance generator includes a generatorshaft, a series of rotors connected to the generator shaft, with a firstend rotor and a second end rotor. A plurality of magnets are attached toeach of the rotors. The rotors are radially positioned on the shaft sothat two or more columns of magnets extend from the first end rotor tothe second end rotor, parallel to the shaft. One or more gauss bridgesare disposed at each of the first and second end rotors. The gaussbridges bridge two magnets attached to the rotors so that two columns ofmagnets are connected through the gauss bridge. Each gauss bridge at oneend rotor has a corresponding gauss bridge at another end rotor thatconnects the same two columns of magnets. The gauss bridges create aclosed loop of two columns of magnets.

Another embodiment of a low resistance generator includes two or morerotors connected to a generator shaft. The rotors are disposed in serieswith a gap between each rotor. A plurality of magnets are disposed oneach rotor and arranged radially around the generator shaft. Thegenerator also includes a stator disposed within the gaps between therotors and one or more coils disposed on the surface of each stator. Thecoils are configured so that they are exposed to the ambient air.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will beset forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obviousfrom the description, or may be learned by the practice of thedisclosure. These and other features will become more fully apparentfrom the following description and appended claims, or may be learned bythe practice of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a lowresistance generator;

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the embodiment of a low resistancegenerator illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotor;

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment of a rotorillustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 illustrates a series of rotors disposed on a shaft formingmagnetic columns;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotorincluding gauss bridges disposed thereon;

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the gauss bridges illustratedin FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C illustrates a top view of the embodiment of a gauss bridgeillustrated in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5 illustrates series of rotors disposed on a shaft forming a closedmagnetic loops including two columns connected by gauss bridges;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a stator platewith coil spools disposed thereon;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a coil spool;and

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of a coil spoolillustrated in FIG. 7A with a coil of wire wrapped around it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure addresses at least some of the foregoingshortcomings by providing a low resistance generator that substantiallyreduces many of the sources of resistance within a typical generatordiscussed above.

In one embodiment, a low resistance generator includes two or morerotors connected perpendicular to a generator shaft. The rotors can bedisposed in series with a gap separating each rotor. The rotors are madeof non-conductive material. The rotors each carry two or more magnetssecured to the shaft so that they rotate with the shaft. A stator isdisposed within the gaps between the rotors. The stators are configuredto carry one or more coils that are wired together in series. Thegenerator also includes a frame that is made of non-conductive material.

In another embodiment, a low resistance generator includes a generatorshaft, a series of rotors connected to the generator shaft, with a firstend rotor and a second end rotor. A plurality of magnets are attached toeach of the rotors. The rotors are radially positioned on the shaft sothat two or more columns of magnets extend from the first end rotor tothe second end rotor, parallel to the shaft. One or more gauss bridgesare disposed at each of the first and second end rotors. The gaussbridges bridge two magnets attached to the rotors so that two columns ofmagnets are connected through the gauss bridge. Each gauss bridge at oneend rotor has a corresponding gauss bridge at another end rotor thatconnects the same two columns of magnets. The gauss bridges create aclosed loop of two columns of magnets.

Another embodiment of a low resistance generator includes two or morerotors connected to a generator shaft. The rotors are disposed in serieswith a gap between each rotor. A plurality of magnets are disposed oneach rotor and arranged radially around the generator shaft. Thegenerator also includes a stator disposed within the gaps between therotors and one or more coils disposed on the surface of each stator. Thecoils are configured so that they are exposed to the ambient air.

The present disclosure addresses at least some of the foregoingshortcomings by providing a low resistance generator that substantiallyreduces many of the sources of resistance within a typical generatordiscussed above. For example, by placing all the magnets on the samesurface, and reducing the amount of ferromagnetic materials in thegenerator, much of the resistance due to the magnetic attraction betweenmoving and stationary parts may be reduced or eliminated.

In addition, exposing the coils to ambient air, and not burying them ingrooves or other compartments within the thickness of the stator, allowsair to blow over the coils as the rotors rotate. The air may cool thecoils so that heat Ohms of resistance from current generated in thecoils may be substantially reduced.

Resistance due to CEMF is reduced by the use of nonconductive materialsthroughout the generator. Without a current flowing through thesematerials, little or no CEMF may be produced.

When the magnets are configured into closed loops comprising two columnsof magnets connected by gauss bridges, as detailed in embodimentsdescribed above, the magnets function as a single unit without gaps.Reluctance in the air gaps between magnets within this closed-loopcolumn configuration is substantially diminished by the combined forceof the magnets. This configuration has not only been shown to eliminategauss leakage, but significantly enhance the gauss rating of themagnets.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a lowresistance generator. The generator may include a stator 110 connectedto a frame 115. The frame 115 may include a base plate 120 and first andsecond end plates 125, 135. In some embodiments, the first and secondend plates 125, 135 may include apertures or windows where material hasbeen removed to promote ventilation and airflow through the gaps 130 andother areas of the generator 100.

The stator 110 may include one or more stator plates 105. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the generator 100 includes 12 statorplates 105. Other embodiments may include more or fewer than 12 statorplates. The frame 115 may be made of non-ferromagnetic andnon-conductive materials to reduce resistance due to CEMF and magneticattraction of components, as discussed herein.

The stator plates 105 may be arranged in series so that they aredisposed substantially perpendicular to the base plate 120 with a gap130 between each stator plate 105. The stator plates 105 may also bedisposed substantially perpendicular to a generator shaft 140. The shaft140 may pass through the stator plates 105 and the first and second endplates 125, 135 so that the shaft 140 rotates freely while the statorplates and end plates 125, 135 remain fixed. The shaft 140 may besupported by ball bearing assemblies 145 disposed within the first andsecond end plates 125, 135 of the frame 115.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the low resistance generator 100illustrated in FIG. 1A. The generator 100 may include one or more rotors150. The rotors 150 may be secured to the shaft 140 and disposed in thegaps 130 between the stator plates 105. The rotors 150 rotate when theshaft 140 rotates. The rotors 150 may be secured to the shaft 140 sothat they are substantially perpendicular to the shaft 140.

The number of rotors 150 may depend on the number of stator plates 105.In an exemplary embodiment, the generator 100 may have one more rotor150 than stator plate 105. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1B, the generator 100 includes twelve stator plates 105 andthirteen rotor plates 105. This number of rotors 150 and stator plates105 provides for one rotor 150 disposed in each gap 130, with twoadditional rotors 150. One of the two additional rotors 150 may disposedbetween a stator plate 105 and the first end plate 125. A second rotor150 may be disposed between a stator plate 105 and the second end plate135.

A number of threaded rods 155 may pass through the stator plates 105 andbe secured via bolts 165 at various locations. The rods 155 and nuts 165may provide structural stability to the stator plates 105. Otherstructural components, such as brackets, screws, nails, adhesives, andthe like, may also be employed to add structural stability to the statorplates 105 and/or various other components of the generator 100.

FIG. 1B also illustrates a plurality of coil spools 160, which may besecured to the stator plates 105. Coils or coiled wires (not illustratedhere) may be wrapped around the coil spools 160. Magnets (notillustrated here) may be disposed on the rotors 150 and positioned topass near the coils when rotated. More detail regarding the coil spools160, coils, and magnets will be given hereafter.

A motive force such as wind, water, steam, turbine, or internalcombustion piston may cause the shaft 140 to rotate. For a non-limitingexample, the shaft 140 may be connected to a windmill, hydraulicturbine, or other commonly used turbine such as a steam turbine. Therotation of the shaft 140 causes the rotors 150 to rotate while thestator plates 105 remain fixed. Magnets may be arranged on the rotors150 so that the rotation of the magnets induces electric current to flowthrough the coils disposed on the coil spools 160. More detail regardingthe configuration of the coil spools 160, coils, and magnets will begiven hereafter.

The embodiment of the generator 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B maybe modular so that two or more generators 100 may be wired in series.For example, each generator 100 may be 125-volt, 16-amp generators.Wiring two of these generators 100 together in series on a single shaft140 results in a 250-volt, 32-amp generator. Also, the generatorsdescribed in various embodiments herein may be oriented horizontally orvertically as needed.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotor 150.The rotor 150 may include a central hole 205 through which the shaft 140may pass and secure to the rotor 150. The rotor 150 may also include anumber of windows 210 where material has been removed to reduce weightand material costs, and to increase ventilation within the gaps 130 tocool the coils. The rotor 150 may include a number of magnets disposedwithin a thickness 215 of the rotor 150. The magnets are not shown inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A because each magnet may be coveredwith a magnet box cover 220 or other magnet securing means. The boxcovers 220 may be secured to the rotor 150 via one or more screws 240 orother attachment means.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the rotor 150 illustrated inFIG. 2A where one pair of box covers 220 and magnets 230 are shown. Therotor 150 may comprise recessed boxes 235 configured to house magnets230. The magnets 230 in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B arerectangular and correspond to the rectangular shape of the recessedboxes 235. The dimensions of the recessed boxes 235 and the magnets 230may be substantially similar so that the magnets fit snuggly into therecessed boxes 235 and are not jostled due to a rotation of the rotor150. The box covers 220 may be secured over the top of the magnets 230disposed within the recessed boxes 235 to secure the magnets 230 withinthe thickness 215 of the rotor 150.

The rotors 150 may be made of non-conductive and/or non-ferromagneticmaterials, such as plastics, resins, rubbers, or other non-conductivematerials. Non-conductive materials may reduce the presence of CEMF andthus reduce resistance in the generator due to opposing magnetic fields.Little or no CEMF may be present with non-conductive materials usedthroughout the generator, including the rotors 150. Thenon-ferromagnetic materials used may also substantially decreaseresistance due to attraction between various part of the generator 100and the magnets 230, such as the rotors 150 and the magnets 230.

The rotor 150 illustrated in FIG. 2B includes six magnets 230 configuredinto three pairs of two. Other embodiments may include more or less thansix magnets. For example, one embodiment may include eight magnetsconfigured into four pairs of two, or four magnets configured into twopairs of two. Other embodiments may include less than four magnets ormore than eight magnets. Preferably, an even number of magnets may besecured to a rotor, the reason for which will be explained in detailbelow.

The magnets 230 may be neodymium magnets with a permeance of about13,200 henry (H). The magnets 230 illustrated in FIG. 2B are1″×2″×0.125″. The thickness, shape, material, and permeance of themagnets 230 may vary in various embodiments contemplated herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representing a side view of a series ofrotors 150 a-d disposed on a shaft 140. A plurality of magnets 230 a-hmay be disposed within the rotors 150 a-d as described above, inreference to FIG. 2B. The rotors 150 a-d may be disposed on the shaft140 so that the angular position of the rotors 150 a-d are substantiallysimilar. The rotors 150 a-d may be thus positioned so that the magnets230 a-h form columns. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the rotors150 a-d may be angularly positioned so that magnets 230 a, 230 b, 230 c,and 230 d align to form a first column 305. Magnets 230 e, 230 f, 230 g,and 230 h align to form a second column 310.

FIG. 4A illustrates a rotor 150 comprising a plurality of gauss bridges405 disposed over each pair of magnets 230. A pair of box covers 220 maybe secured to the rotor 150 over both ends of the gauss bridges 405 tohold the gauss bridges 405 against the magnets 230. Each gauss bridge405 may contact two magnets 230. A gauss bridge 405 may be made of aferromagnetic material so that it directs a magnetic flux from onemagnet 230 of a pair of magnets on the rotor 150 to the other magnet 230of the pair of magnets. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a rotor 150that includes three gauss bridges 405.

The three gauss bridges 405 may create a flywheel effect that smoothesthe output of the generator 100 while loads are added to or removed fromthe generator circuit. The use of three gauss bridges 405 may alsoprevent a circuit in which eddy currents may form, that causing CEMF.The number of gauss bridges may vary depending on the number of magnets230 disposed on the rotor 150. There may be one gauss bridge 405 forevery pair of magnets 230 on a rotor 150.

FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate one embodiment of a gauss bridge 405 asillustrated in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of thegauss bridge 405. The gauss bridge 405 may be made of a ferromagneticmaterial. In one embodiment, the gauss bridge 405 is made of cold-rolledsteel. Other embodiments may include gauss bridges made of otherferromagnetic materials. For example, other embodiments of gauss bridgesmay be made of hot rolled steel or various iron alloys such asaluminum-nickel-cobalt (Alnico). The permeance of the gauss bridge 405may depend, in part, on the material used.

A thickness 410 of the gauss bridge 405 may be 0.25 inches. Otherembodiments may include gauss bridges that are thicker or thinner than0.25 inches. The permeance of the gauss bridge 405 may depend, in part,on the thickness 410 of the gauss bridge 405. For example, theembodiment of the gauss bridge 405 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C is made ofcold rolled steel and has a thickness of 0.25 inches. A gauss bridge 405such as this may have a permeance of 21,000 henry. Varying the thicknessand materials used to manufacture the gauss bridge 405 may vary thepermeance of the gauss bridge 405. Other embodiments may include gaussbridges with a permeance greater or less than 21,000 henry. Preferably,the permeance of the gauss bridge may be equal to or greater than apermeance of the magnets 230 with which the gauss bridge 405 makescontact.

The embodiment of the gauss bridge 405 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C has acurved rectangular shape. The curved rectangle shape enables the gaussbridge 405 to conform radially to the circular shape of the rotor 150while making good contact with the rectangular magnets 230 at each endof the gauss bridge 405. The shape of the gauss bridge 405 may thereforebe different in embodiments where the shape of the magnets 230 and/orrotor 150 is different so that the gauss bridge 405 fits on the rotorand makes contact with a pair of magnets 230.

The shape and dimensions of the gauss bridge 405 discussed above aresuch that a total area of the gauss bridge 405 is no more than necessaryto achieve a desired bridging effect between two magnets 230, as will bediscussed in further detail below. The gauss bridge 405 is preferablymade of a ferromagnetic material so that a magnetic field may passthrough from one magnet 230 to another.

Three gauss bridges 405 are disposed on the embodiment of the rotor 150illustrated in FIG. 4A. Other embodiments may include more or less thanthree gauss bridges 405 depending on how many magnets 230 are disposedon the rotor 150. Preferably, the end rotor 150 includes one gaussbridge 150 for every pair of two magnets 230. The three gauss bridges405 shown are separate and do not contact one another. Thisconfiguration is advantageous because it reduces additional resistancedue to CEMF.

For example, if one continuous metal plate were disposed on the rotor toserve as a gauss bridge between each pair of magnets 230, a current maybe induced around the perimeter of that single piece of material as thegenerator shaft is rotated. This perimeter current would add to the CEMFresistance of the generator. In the separate, three-piece gauss bridge405 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, no such current may beformed. The three gauss bridges 405 are separate and cannot form acurrent carrying circuit.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic representing a side view of a series ofrotors 150 a-d disposed on a shaft 140 similar to the schematicillustrated in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, one ormore gauss bridges 405 a, 405 b may be disposed on a first end rotor 150a and a second end rotor 150 d. Magnets 230 a-230 d form one column andmagnets 230 e-230 h form a second column. The gauss bridges 405 a, 405 bmay be disposed on the rotors 150 a, 150 d to make contact with twomagnets each so that the two columns of magnets 230 a-d, 230 e-h areconnected into a closed loop. For example, a first gauss bridge 405 amay connect magnets 230 a and 230 h, and a second gauss bridge 405 b mayconnect magnets 230 d and 230 e.

A closed loop comprising two columns of magnets may be formed bydisposing gauss bridges 405 a, 405 b on first and second end rotors 150a, 150 d in this way. The magnets 230 a-h may be arranged so that thenorth and south poles of the magnets 230 a-h cause a magnetic flux totravel around the closed loop. The direction of the magnetic flux isrepresented by the arrows in FIG. 5. The magnetic flux lines indicatethat the magnetic field of the closed loop may travel from one magnet tothe other down one column of magnets 230 a-d and then transfer throughthe gauss bridge 405 b and into the other column of magnets 230 e-h. Themagnetic field may then travel through the other gauss bridge 405 a andagain into the first column of magnets 230 a.

When the magnets are configured into closed loops comprising two columnsof magnets connected by gauss bridges, as detailed in embodimentsdescribed above, the magnets function as a single unit without gaps.Gaps 130 between stator plates 105 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B, 5) may be suchthat a distance between each magnet 230 within a column is about 0.875inches. Other embodiments may include gaps 130 that are larger orsmaller than 0.875 inches.

Reluctance in the air gaps between magnets within this closed-loopcolumn configuration is substantially diminished by the combined forceof the magnets. This configuration has not only been shown to eliminategauss leakage, but significantly enhance the gauss rating of themagnets. For example, in one embodiment, the gauss ratings of themagnets 230 may be increased to 120% of the manufacturer's rating of themagnets. Other embodiments may include increased gauss ratings to moreor less than 120%.

A test was run to illustrate this magnetic enhancement due to the columnconfiguration of the magnets. Multiple neodymium magnets (1″×2″×0.125″),rated at 1150 henry by the manufacturer, were placed in columnsconnected by a gauss bridge of steel grade 1018, which has a permeanceof 21.0 kilo-henry. Each magnet had an air gap between itself andadjacent magnets within the column. The gauss was measured at a distancefrom the surface of an individual magnet, the distance equal to the gapwithin the column. A 78.8% decrease in surface gauss was calculated atthis distance using the magnet manufacturer's formula.

The gauss was then measured in the closed loop column configurationdescribed above. The actual output (in volts) of the generator wasmultiplied by one hundred million gauss, which was adjusted for the RPMsand the number of wires in the coils as well as the number of magnets,to show the actual gauss in each gap. The results was 5.45 times thecalculated gap gauss and 1.21 times the surface gauss rating publishedby the manufacturer.

Additionally, the power output of the generator increases as thethickness of the magnets increases. Gauss output is increased by 455.6%when the thickness of the magnets is increased by 8 (from 0.125″ to 1″).The test described above included an equivalent of 13 times the originalthickness because each column comprised 13 magnets. This increased thepower output of the generator by 545%.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a stator plate 105. The stator plate105 may include a central hole 605 through which a generator shaft 140may freely pass. The stator plate may include a number of windows 610where material has been removed to reduce weight and material costs, andto increase ventilation within the gaps 130 to cool the coils. Thestator plate 105 may also include a plurality of coil spools 160disposed on one or both sides of the stator plate 105. The stator plate105 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes three coil spools 160. The coilspools 160 are configured to have coils of wire wrapped around them, aswill be discussed in further detail below.

The coil spools 160 may be arranged radially around the center hole 605and spaced evenly around the stator plate 105. It will be appreciatedthat the number and arrangement of the coil spools 160 may vary indifferent embodiments. The coil spools 160 may be arranged so that theycorrelate in position to the magnets 230 disposed in the rotors 150.This way, when the rotors 150 rotate within the gaps 103 between thestator plates 105, the magnets 230 will pass in close proximity to thecoil spools 160, inducing an electrical current in the coils. The coilspools 160 may be similar in shape and/or size to the magnets 230 to aidin current being induced in the coils.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate perspective views of an embodiment of a coilspool 160. FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a coil spool 160without a coil, and FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of a coilspool 160 that has a coil 720 wrapped around it. A coil spool 160 maycomprise a core 710 disposed between first and second spool plates 705a, 705 b. The core 710 may provide a structure around which a coil 720of wire, such as copper wire, may be wound, as illustrated in FIG. 7B.Wiring the coils together may be configured to provide single or threephase power with only a slight modification to the alignment and/orposition of the coil spools 160 on the rotors 150.

The coil spool 160 may also include a plurality of attachment holes 715through which various attachment mechanisms may pass to secure the coilspool 160 to the stator plate 105. Attachment mechanisms may include,but are not limited to, screws, bolts, nails, pegs, and the like. Otherattachment means may also be employed, such as adhesives. The coilspools 160 may also be integrally formed with the stator plate 105 sothat they constitute a single piece of material.

The stator plate 105 and coil spools 160 may be made of non-conductiveand/or non-ferromagnetic materials, such as plastics, resins, rubbers,or other non-conductive materials. Non-conductive materials may reducethe presence of a CEMF and thus reduce resistance in the generator dueto opposing magnetic fields. With non-conductive materials used throughthe generator, including the stator plates 105 and coil spools 160,little or no CEMF may be produced. The non-ferromagnetic materials usedmay also substantially decrease resistance due to attraction betweenvarious part of the generator 100, such as the coil spools 160, statorplates 105, and magnets 230.

Additionally, the coil spools 160 provide an open configuration for thecoils 720 to be exposed to the surrounding air. As discussed above, therotors 150 rotate within the gaps 130 between the stator plates 105. Themagnets 230 may come in close proximity to the coil spools 160 so thatan electric current may be efficiently induced in the coils 720. Airwithin the gaps may be disturbed, causing an airflow within the gaps130, as the magnets 230 and/or rotors 150 rotate. The coils 720 may beexposed to this airflow due to the open configuration of the coil spools160, as well as the ventilation holes 610, 210 within the stator plates105 and rotors 150, so that the coils 720 may be cooled by convectiveairflow. This would not be the case, for example, if the coils weredisposed within a thickness of the stator plates 105 or encased withinplastic or other materials.

The convective airflow cooling of the coils may significantly reduceheat generated by the induced electrical current in the coils. Asdiscussed above, substantial resistance may occur, for example, with aheat gain of 40 degrees Celsius. This heat may be reduced with the openconfiguration of the coils illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 7B. The openconfiguration of the coils may be preferable in embodiments where thestator plates 105 are not made of conductive materials. Conductivematerials used in typical stator plate design may act as a heat sinkthat draws heat away from the coils. In the embodiments describedherein, where the stator plates 105 and coil spools 160 are made fromnon-conductive materials and therefore do not act as heat sinks, theopen configuration may cause the coils to be substantially cooled.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A low resistance generator, comprising: a generator shaft having a longitudinal length; two or more rotors connected to the generator shaft, including a first end rotor and a second end rotor, each rotor disposed perpendicular to the generator shaft, wherein the rotors are disposed in series with each other so as to form a gap between adjacent rotors, there being a plurality of gaps; a plurality of magnets disposed on each rotor and arranged radially around the generator shaft so that north and south poles of each magnet are aligned along the longitudinal length of the generator shaft to form two or more columns of aligned magnets, each column extending from the first end rotor to the second end rotor and parallel to the generator shaft; one or more gauss bridges disposed at each of the first end rotor and the second end rotor, each gauss bridge bridging two magnets attached at the first and second end rotors, wherein a gauss bridge at the first end rotor that connects two columns has a corresponding gauss bridge at the second end rotor connecting the same two columns, thus creating a closed magnetic loop comprising two columns of magnets; a stator disposed within each of the gaps between the rotors; and one or more coils disposed on each stator and therefore between each rotor, the one or more coils exposed to the ambient air, wherein each rotor carries 6 magnets arranged concentrically around the generator shaft so that 3 sets of 2 magnets each are formed, wherein the two magnets of each set are connected by a gauss bridge.
 2. The low resistance generator of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more coils is shaped similar to the shape of each magnet.
 3. The low resistance generator of claim 1, wherein the coils comprise a spool of copper wire.
 4. The low resistance generator of claim 1, wherein the one or more coils are wired together in series.
 5. A low resistance generator, comprising: a generator shaft; two or more rotors connected to the generator shaft, including a first end rotor and a second end rotor, each rotor disposed perpendicular to the generator shaft, wherein the rotors are disposed in series with each other so as to form a gap between adjacent rotors, there being a plurality of gaps; a plurality of magnets disposed on each rotor and arranged radially around the generator shaft to form two or more columns of aligned magnets, each column extending from the first end rotor to the second end rotor and parallel to the generator shaft; one or more gauss bridges disposed at each of the first and second end rotors, each gauss bridge bridging two magnets attached at the first or second end rotors, wherein a gauss bridge at the first end rotor that connects two columns has a corresponding gauss bridge at the second end rotor connecting the same two columns, thus creating a closed magnetic loop comprising two columns of magnets; a stator disposed within each of the gaps between the rotors, the stator consisting of non-ferrous material; and one or more coils disposed on each stator and therefore between each rotor, the one or more coils exposed to the ambient air, wherein each rotor carries 6 magnets arranged concentrically around the generator shaft so that 3 sets of 2 magnets each are formed, wherein the two magnets of each set are connected by a gauss bridge.
 6. The low resistance generator of claim 5, wherein each gap is equal to or less than 0.875 inches.
 7. The low resistance generator of claim 5, wherein the rotors and stator are made of non-conductive material.
 8. The low resistance generator of claim 5, wherein the coils are disposed within a thickness of the stator and exposed to ambient air.
 9. The low resistance generator of claim 5, further comprising a frame connected to the stator, wherein the frame is made of non-conductive material.
 10. The low resistance generator of claim 5, wherein each rotor carries a plurality of magnet pairs arranged concentrically around the generator shaft.
 11. A low resistance generator, comprising: a generator shaft; two or more rotors connected to the generator shaft, including a first end rotor and a second end rotor, each rotor disposed perpendicular to the generator shaft, wherein the rotors are disposed in series with each other so as to form a gap between adjacent rotors, there being a plurality of gaps; a plurality of magnets disposed on each rotor and arranged radially around the generator shaft to form two or more columns of aligned magnets, each column extending from the first end rotor to the second end rotor and parallel to the generator shaft; one or more gauss bridges disposed at each of the first and second end rotors, each gauss bridge bridging two magnets attached at the first or second end rotors, wherein a gauss bridge at the first end rotor that connects two columns has a corresponding gauss bridge at the second end rotor connecting the same two columns, thus creating a closed magnetic loop comprising two columns of magnets; a stator disposed within each of the gaps between the rotors; and one or more coils disposed on each stator and therefore between each rotor, the one or more coils exposed to the ambient air, wherein each rotor carries 6 magnets arranged concentrically around the generator shaft so that 3 sets of 2 magnets each are formed, wherein the two magnets of each set are connected by a gauss bridge.
 12. The low resistance generator of claim 11, wherein the one or more gauss bridges is made from cold rolled steel.
 13. The low resistance generator of claim 11, the generator comprising three gauss bridges disposed at each of the first end rotor and the second end rotor. 